Personalized Robotic Telerehabilitation for Upper Limb Functional Recovery After Stroke in a Home-Based Setting
Personalized Robotic Telerehabilitation for Upper Limb Functional Recovery After Stroke in a Home-Based Setting
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with upper-limb impairment representing a major determinant of functional limitation and reduced independence. Conventional rehabilitation approaches are often limited by accessibility, intensity, and long-term adherence, highlighting the need for innovative, home-based solutions.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized robotic telerehabilitation program for upper-limb recovery in individuals with post-stroke motor impairment. The intervention combines a wearable robotic device with a virtual reality-based platform, enabling patients to perform structured, task-oriented exercises in a home environment under remote supervision.
Participants will be allocated to either a robotic-assisted telerehabilitation program or a control condition based on virtual reality-based rehabilitation alone. Motor recovery will be assessed using standardized clinical scales, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), along with measures of functional performance, patient-reported outcomes, and treatment adherence.
By integrating robotic assistance with telemedicine, this study seeks to enhance rehabilitation intensity, improve patient engagement, and facilitate continuity of care beyond traditional clinical settings. The results are expected to support the development of accessible, personalized rehabilitation pathways for individuals with stroke-related upper-limb disability.
This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized telerehabilitation protocol integrating a wearable robotic device with a virtual reality (VR)-based platform in individuals with post-stroke upper-limb impairment.
Stroke-related upper-limb dysfunction significantly affects daily activities, social participation, and quality of life. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), participation is a key outcome; however, upper-limb disability represents a major barrier to inclusion.
Robotic rehabilitation and advanced technologies have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in improving motor function. However, their use is mainly limited to specialized centers. Home-based telerehabilitation enables continuity of care, enhances treatment intensity, and supports long-term recovery, while reducing the need for in-person sessions.
The intervention combines:
a wearable robotic device (EMOVO), a virtual reality telerehabilitation platform (VRRS Home Kit).
Participants will undergo a structured 4-week rehabilitation program consisting of daily 60-minute sessions administered at home and remotely supervised by rehabilitation professionals.
Participants will be randomized into:
an experimental group receiving robotic-assisted telerehabilitation, a control group receiving VR-based telerehabilitation alone.
The study will evaluate motor recovery, functional performance, patient-reported outcomes, treatment adherence, user satisfaction, and safety.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
marco.paoletta@unicampania.it+393922123028